10 Common Muslim Issues

I've been really sick so I will answer comments in a few days. Stupid sushi.

Anywho someone emailed this to me and I thought I would share. Its funny, yet informative.

Following is a list of ten very common issues that most of us seem to falter when it comes to our Islamic obligations.

1.Telling the Truth

Avoiding unwanted telephone calls ("Tell them I'm not home!") and trying to obtain undeserved discounts from inexperienced young staff at the local butcher ("Yeah, yeah, your boss knows me, he always gives me a 25 percent discount!") is, well, dishonest and un-Islamic. Small lies, big lies, and even white lies should be avoided at all times. As good believers, we should always be telling the truth!

2.Praying on Time

One of the major inconveniences of our favorite TV shows it that they are always broadcast at Maghrib time. Despite having seen every episode half a dozen times over the span of our childhood, we can't help but gamble every time over whom we love more: Allah or Homer Simpson? And for those of us who are smart enough to know that our Creator's importance is greater than Matt Groening's creation, the Morning Prayer is a whole other battle. I'm not too sure why most of us "don't have the energy" for Fajr, because even at 4 in the morning, the minute someone plugs in the PS3 or suggests a movie marathon, it's as though we've consumed a dozen energy drinks and three shots of espresso. Narrations reveal that Fajr is the most beneficial of the daily prayers; however, Satan whispers otherwise.

3.Minding Our Language

I understand that the recommended daily Ziyarat Ashura recitation summons an amazing adrenaline rush upon cursing the tyrants; however, extending this "curse allowance" to regular use of profanities in everyday life is certainly uncalled for! These days most Muhammads and Hussains and Zainabs and Fatimas seem to be partaking in the who-can-swear-the-most competitions with the non-Muslims. If anyone feels as though this statement is grossly unfair, please find proof by visiting the local Islamic school during lunch time.

4.Refraining from Backbiting

To those individuals who feel compelled to commit Gheebat, justifying it as "a collective attempt to rectify faltering individuals" by informing each and every person of someone else's shortcomings and not-so-ethical behavior, we quote the Holy Qur'an: "And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother?" (49:12) Either everyone these days is practicing cannibalism on their own free will, or we have run out of new and interesting meats to try. I'm not too sure about your brother's, but mine's flesh certainly does not seem too appetizing.

5.Paying Religious Dues

The only difference between shortchanging the IRS and shortchanging on Khums is that the former will land you in jail, whereas the latter will put you in hell. Ideally we would like to avoid both, but if we had to choose one, we would definitely take jail time over hell time. And we sincerely hope our fellow brothers and sisters have the same preference. One way to avoid hell time is to pay our religious dues on time and share our wealth with the poor. We assure you the benefits are countless. The most appealing (second only to earning Allah's pleasure, of course) benefit of taking your wealth and giving it to the poor? You get to feel like Robin Hood!

6.Observing Proper Hijab

Although it's usually the intelligence of beings possessing the Y chromosome which is questioned, sometimes we can't help but think it's the double X which has a few loose screws. Why exactly a Hijabi woman would intentionally falter when it comes to observing proper Hijab is beyond our understanding. If you've got the headscarf and "modest dress" going on, than we're yet to fully comprehend the benefit of exposing those pink toenails and wrists for the sake of showing off our gladiator sandals and fake Gucci watches. Please book an appointment with X-Men character Dust for a few Hijab pointers. (The Niqab is optional.) For God's sake, sisters, cover up everything that's not for the world to see, and that means not just your hair!

7.Avoiding Inappropriate Movies and Television Programs

Either I've remained completely oblivious about the MPAA merging with the Islamic seminary in Qom, or Muslims are mistaking the bold large print of "Rated R for coarse language and nudity" with "This movie is suitable for viewing by Muslims." My dear brother, we are aware that the Imam of Our Time (may Allah hasten his reappearance) is always present among us. Keep that in mind the next time you watch a movie with girls in bikinis in it. And sisters, being a girl doesn't justify your obsession for those romance films which lead to those secret collages and shrines with topless pictures of Edward Cullen making out with Bella. Sorry to break this to you, brothers and sisters, but your husbands and wives will not look like those Photoshopped movie stars, so it's best to stop drooling over them now.

8.Sporting a Beard

According to several traditions, a shaved face was commonly sported by the munafiqeen of Islam, such as Muawiya and Yazid. Today, however, it is a common sight to see the followers of the bearded nobles, Prophet Muhammad and his Progeny (peace be upon them), resembling the followers of the enemies of Islam. I've never seen South Korean soldiers dress up like the North Korean soldiers, so I'm not too sure what is going on with a growing number of brothers today. Instead of desperately chasing Fiqhi loopholes to justify shaving the beard, just ask yourself one question: WWAD? (What Would [Imam] Ali Do?)

9.Keeping Proper Friends

We all love to be the best friends possible, but that shouldn't be at the expense of us not being the best Muslim friends possible! Many a times we find it hard to control that energetic spirit within which chants Amr Bil Maroof, and in an attempt to show our friends the Right Path, we decide to do whatever it takes to "fit in" and subsequently let our own faith slip. As a wise person once said, "A man is known by the friends he keeps." Surely hanging with friends who have a tendency to engage in haram activities cannot help us do more halal and less haram. If anyone thinks otherwise, the Prophet of Allah responded to your objection already: "A good friend is one whose presence should always remind you of your Lord."

10. Making Up Missed Prayers and Fasts

It's great fun to fall sick in Ramadan, because while everyone else is fasting, you're one of the lucky few who can eat! Victory! But for those of us who don't like being in debt to our bank or credit cards, maybe it's a wise idea to be debt-free in the eyes of Allah as well. Fasting on days other than in Ramadan does seem excruciating, but perhaps some of us should have thought about this before we decided to forego our Islamic duties for minor excuses. And if you're among the lucky few who do not have any missed fasts, take account and find out if you have any prayers from the past (that were missed or performed incorrectly) that must be made up.

Comic: Joseph and Yusra

I adore this comic and thought I would share with you. This is the tale of a young girl named Yusra and her friend Joseph. An odd pair to be sure, these two share an unusual bond that affects both their lives in a variety of ways. Adorable, heartwarming, and sometimes a little crazy it is an absolutely beautiful story with fantastic artwork. You can't help but fall in love with the warm heart of Yusra.

You may read the comic here. Make sure you start from the beginning or it won't make any sense.

The author is not muslim but has taken it upon herself to do a great deal of research on both Islam and Orthodox Judaism prior to writing this wonderful tale. If you have any criticisms or Naseeha for her please leave it in the comments section of this post NOT on her website. I will pass them to her. I want to avoid her accidentally getting attacked. Please leave your suggestions here and I will pass them along.

Enjoy. It's really quite a clever story. Mary is also very intriguing :)

The Way of Man

Most will do things, follow things without ever knowing why, without ever needing to know why for that is the way of man.

The Haram "What If?"

I've been sick so you are getting a post I developed quite awhile ago and never posted. Its gonna be awhile before I can create anything new that is conherent as I I want to do is sleep.

This post is designed as a "What If?" or an extreme of a situation. This is not to poke fun, not to tell someone their beliefs are wrong. It is an observation. Moderation is eliminated in this observation. Its a look at what life might be like if you fully implimented the concept of complete avoidance of those things that are considered haram. But have you ever thought what life might be like in the West if you actually tried to do that? If you really, fully avoided all things that are considered haram. Even the things that appear in everyday life. Below is what it might be like.

Let’s say you want to go out today but you avoid all places with alcohol. You learn very quickly that going out to eat, outside of a fast food place, is going to be rather difficult. Most restaurants serve alcohol. Even the halal ones, which means you can’t go there either. You also realize you can’t go to some movie theatres or baseball games, or theme parks, or carnivals. You can’t even go to most grocery stores. Everywhere there is alcohol.

Ok so, you won’t be doing any of those things today. Maybe you can stay home and watch some TV? But as you click through the channels every show has something haram in it. Some are killing people, all have music, some have relationships between unmarried people, sex, drugs, uncovered women. You name it, its there. You can’t even watch Nickelodeon or Disney because some of the characters are dating in a non-Islamic fashion. Sometimes they even kiss! No TV for you.

Fine, you’re a little frustrated. A bit of retail therapy might do the trick so you head to the mall. BIG MISTAKE. Everywhere you turn, the haram is here. The mall is playing popular music, which boasts a lot of haram topics on top of having a beat. You go by the sweet smelling perfume store then remember perfume is made with alcohol and walk away. You grab a coffee and take a seat realizing you can't even go near most of the clothing stores because the clothes themselves promote haram actions. You look around to see you are surrounded by men and women dressed inappropriately. The men wear tight t-shirts with fitted jeans, the women an array of skimpy clothing their hair swaying as they walk, swishing their hips seductively. The ads depict men and women in sexual situations trying to sell products. You even see a life-sized photo of an almost naked man hanging in the window of a preppy clothing store. Not to mention that you forgot there would be men in the mall! You are definitely suppose to avoid them at all costs, less you find yourself having inappropriate feelings towards one. Smashing your empty coffee cup, you toss it in the trash and head home.

You’re back home, completely frustrated. You decide to stay in and read a book. Of course, it must be one without haram content. You find yourself with very little options. You can read most books on philosophy and religion, providing Freud isn’t involved. You can’t read any of the popular books, they all carry haram topics ( no Twilight for you). You settle for an Islamic history book and start reading, wondering if this is all you get to do.

Ok, discuss :)

Happy Thoughts: Things I would do if I were Muslim

I've been a Negetive Nancy recently so I'm going to post some good things I'd like to do if I were muslim or from my experience. I actually feel in the long run I could probably do a lot of good for the muslim community and strengthen a positive image of muslims. And yes, some of these are kinda silly :)

1) Write a book. I plan to do this regardless of my decision. I want to write about my experience to show people what Islam is really like. In the end, it should be a positive influence regardless of my decision. This blog is actually my notes for the book along with a diary for the more personal notes.

2) An all girl's prom. Muslimah's deserve to go to prom and I would like to give them one. So far, they do not really do these in the US. I plan to change that. It is a rite of passage in the west, American muslimahs should get to have it.

4) Recitation "concert" for girls. Girls rarely get to show off their recitation talents because a lot of mosques will not allow them to recite during prayer (some think this is inappropriate. I say "what do you think will happen? The men will hear a female voice and storm the partition?) Instead, I would like to have a recitation competition or concert to showcase their talents for their parents. I think it would be lovely and encourage the girls to learn recitation. The recitation classes (3 of them) only have 2 girls total at my school. Not acceptable in my book.

5) Hijab fashion class. The women at my school and the girls are quite taken with my hijab appropriate fashion. I would love to show the teens that they can have fun with hijab, wear clothes similar to all their friends, and still be appropriate. I think this would boost morale in the teens, as it is hard enough to be a teenager let alone one that has to wear a scarf.

6) Convert counselor/marriage counselor. I would love to help other converts in their struggle with Islam both people trying to figure out if Islam is right for them and those who have chosen it but are having issues. I'd also like to help converts and their husbands/wives blend their cultural differences and families together.

7) Do a "giving tree" during Ramadan: like during Christmas, I would love to organize a "giving tree" of sorts where each person can pick a child or adult from a shelter and buy the things they need on their list. Definately in the spirit of Ramadan.

8) Teach. Eventually I would like to teach something at the school. What exactly, Im not sure.

That's all for now. If I think of anything else I'll add it. Looking at this makes me happy and makes me want to be muslim. Feeling better now :) Masha'Allah

How Lady Liberty Plays The Game

First it was the Indians shunned for being savage and brutes.

Then it was the so called witches, burned at the stake, tried by the true.

Next came the Africans, born to be slaves. Used every day as objects, treated as if they have no brains. Now feared, sometimes unwanted, often to this day pushed down and misguided. Skin has a “right” color, She says.

The Jews were banished from many places. Didn't dare show their Jewish faces. Considered inferior, often misunderstood. Had no place to go, till they found their niche in the money pit and now they have their hold. Yet they would still be misunderstood if it weren't for all the gold.

World War I brought the Nazi regime. Don't be German, they will pick you clean. Be European, not German descent. Denounce your heritage, make a pact. One will never be of German descent.

Japan, Japan made a grave mistake. Dropped a bomb on Her that she couldn't take. Out of rage She found them all, sent them to camps to make an example of the them all. All the Japanese had to pay. No one is safe when She places blame.

Cold War came to a frightening peak. All who did wrong were Communist, let them not speak. Speak against her they will hunt you down. Just like the witches, they hunt through their days, found as a Communist you will pay.

Cold War ends what is She to do? Who should She find guilty in Her truth? Here are some people, oddly dressed. Pray five times a day, fast, and are chaste. Dare a group did to attack a city, a great city of Her bosom. She smiles for now She has a place for Her hate to lay. Blame it on the Muslims, they deserve to be pried at, misunderstood, pushed from their beliefs to ones better understood. It could not be the fault of a small group that there was a plane, no. It must be the fault of that entire religion, rules and regulations make any other possibility forbidden. They all wanted 9/11 to happen, and all shall pay the price.

You see this is Her vice. She must have someone to blame, someone to hate. And until another group comes to pay the price, the Muslims will have to deal with Her vice.